Ear phone



l 630 028 May 24 1927 DE ELBERT A. REYNOLDS EAR PHONE Filed Jan. 15, 1925 .3 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 24, 1,927.

DE ELBERT A. REYNOLDS EAR FHONE Filed Jan` 15. 1925 s sh'eets-sheet 2 ,May 24, 1927.

DE ELBERT A. REYNOLDS v EAR PHONE Filed Jan. 15, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May '24, 1927,

UNITED STATES DE ELBEBT A. REYNOLDS, 0l' YONXEBSLNEW YORK.

PHONE. f

Application filed January 15, 1995. Serial No. 2,555.

This invention relates to ear phones and is articularly applicable for persons having imperfect hearing. l

An object of this invention is to provide an improved system for persons of defective hearing comprising a member for insertion in the ear', of a novel construction whereby to transmit the desired communication, notwithstanding the imperfect sense of hearing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel form of device for insertion in the ear of the user having imperfect hearing whereby the use of the same tends to stimulate and restore the audition of the user to normalcy.

A further object of the invention is to rovide a novel construction of the member inserted in the ear of the user whereby the length, width and thickness of the same are materially reduced as compared with ear receivers as heretofore proposed.

A further object of the invention is a novel combination of a unitary casing for a set of individual batteries and switch member for connecting the same singly or combinedly with the ear-inserted member and of the transmitter.

Pursuant to the preferred forms of the invention, the ear-inserted member comprises a core of iron or like magnetic material, on which is wound a coil, one or more vibratory armatures formed of relatively thin and relatively short thicknesses of .f-:teel or other plate of magnetic material, a housing of reduced dimension and preferably of cylindrical forni similar to a capsule, within which the aforesaid core. coil and vibratory member or members are securely mounted, and assembled to positively preclude disassembly; a casing con- .taining a'1 pair bf dry cells and also containing a switch inclixding contacts and a movable contact ai'm regulatable exteriorly for connecting the aforesaid lbatteries singly or combinedly as desired for use with the earinserted member and also containing the transmitter. .y

l Further objects and features of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detail description and the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a person showing the ear-inserted member, the trans.- mitter' and battery, the ear-inserted member being of materially reduced size' made possible-by the present' invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing generally the parts of the ear-inserted member embodying myV invention and on a substantially full size scale;

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinally sectional elevation 'of thel ear-inserted member of the construction indicated in Fig'.f2,'bi1t on greatly enlarged scale; Fig. 4' is a sectional elevation on line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is as perspective view of one of the vibratory members shown in Fi 3.and 4, ona further increased scale; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the core of the ear-inserted member shown in Figs. 3 and 4, on a scale corresponding to that of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal central elevation of an ear-inserted member of a modified form, the scale of the same being substantially that of Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a sectional eleva-tion online 8 8 of Fig 7; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the core of the ear-inserted member shown in Fig. 7 and on a slightly increased scale;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a further modification of ear-inserted member embodying my invention; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the core, coil and single vibratory member as embodied in Fig. 10 and on a slightly enlarged Scale;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional eleva'.- tion of a still further modification of earinserted member embodying my invention; Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation on line 13, 13 of Fig. 12;.Fig. 14 is a. perspective view of the core and coil as indicated in Fig. 12 and on a slightly enlarged scale;

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a person using a preferred form of my earphone system, including a'n ear-inserted member of the type similar as hereinabove referred to, and a combined casing for a pair of batteries, switching member and transmitter;

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the unitary casing, the front cover being partially broken awafy to show the pair of batteries and the switching member; Fig. 17 is a sectional elevation on lines 17-17 of Fig. 16; and Flg. 18 is a top plan view of a casing shown in Figs. 16 and 17.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the'earinserted member comprises a base 20, preferably semi-spherica'l at. its outer end and provided with the central opening 21 through which extends the leads 22 of the electrical coil, referred to more particularly hereinafter. In use, the leads 22 are enclosed Within an outer covering similar to ordinary electrica-l cords and by reason of the particular combination of transmitter, source of energy and switching mechanism therefor. together with my novel form of vibratory car-inserted member. the leads 22 are of very tine wire and the unitary cord is of materially reduced diameter and comparable to the usual silk cord employed with nose glasses. u

The core 24, as illustrated 1n Fig. 3, comprises an enlarged portion 25 havin an extension 26 of reduced diameter and t readed to mesh with the threading 27 within the inner, enlarged portion of the opening 21. At the opposite end 28 of the core 24 I provide an enlarged portion for mounting on its lateral faces the respective vibratory elements 29, four, in this instance. Each vibratory member 29 is mounted on the enlarged terminal portion 28 by means of a set screw 30 or equivalent; each member 29 is preferably provided with an angular flanged end 31 snugly abutting the outer face 32 of the enlarged core portion 28.

The increased thicknesses of the respective enlarged portions 25,28, provide for locating the coil 33 about the central or reduced cylindrical portion 34 of the core 24; the thickness of the enlarged portion 25 is preferably.

less than the thickness of the enlarged end portion 28 to insure a clearance, such as indicated at 35 in Fig. 3, between the free end 36 of each vibratory element 29 and the adjacent lateral face of the enlarged portion 28.

In the construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the vibratory elements 29 are four in number and for such purpose the lateral periphery of the enlarged end portion 28 may be square, as is indicated in cross-section in Fig. 4 and in perspective in Fig. 6.

Upon assembling the vibratory elements 29 on the enlarged portion 28 of the core 24 by means of screws 30, see Figs. 3 and 4, passing through the opening 38 in each vibratory element 29 and tapped into the threaded recess 39 of the enlarged portion 28, the laterally extending edge 31, see Fig. 5 of each vibratory element 29 is brought into snug engagement with the outer face 32, see Fig. 6, of the enlarged portion 28 upon tightening the screw to final position. As indicated in Fig. 3, the screw 30 secures the vibratory element 29 to the enlarged portion 28, which function is enhanced by the. flange extension 31. The flange 31 serres also to restrict the tendency of the vibrations of each vibratory element 29 to unseat its securing screw 30 and also improve the harmonics emitted upon the vibration of the vibratory element 29, ensuing,` upon excitation by the coil 33.

After the vibratory elements have been assembled upon the core 24, on which has been previously wound the coil 33, the leads 22 of the coil are passed through the angular opening 40 extendingr through the enlarged portion 25 of the core 24, and the. leads are then passed through the opening 21 in the base 20. Preferably, a. knot 41 is made of the leads` 22 at a suitable location t-o bring the knot 4l into engagement with the sides of the opening 21 and to allow a slight slack of the leads between the knot 41 and theends of the coil 33. The threaded end portion 26 of the core 24 is screwed into the threading 27 of the opening 21 until the front face ot the enlarged portion 25 of the core 24 is in tight tit with the abutting face of the inner side of the base 20. The casing 42 referably of cylindrical contour for its major portion and having a spherical contour indicated at 43 at its outer end, is provided at its inner end 44 with threading 45 for meshing with the threading 45 of the annular extension 47 of the base 20 and upon seating the casing 42 Within the base 20, the vibratory elements 29 are supported by the base 20 within the casing 42 with full clearance for the necessary maximum amplitude of vibration of the vibratory elements 29.

In Fig. 2, I have indicated the casing 42, its base or cap 20, the core 24, the coil 33 and the vibratory elements 29 of actual size to illustrate the marked reduction in actual size permitting its concealment within the ear and effecting an emission of vocal sounds produced upon vibration of the vibratory elements 24, excited by the coil 33, to enable a person of defective hearing to hear by the use of the present invention.

In Fig. 1, I have indicated the transmitter 50, of suitable construction, to be placed at a suitable location in the clothing of the user, as for example in a pocket 51 of the vest 52; for depicting such use of the transmitter with my invention, I have shown the coat 53 broken away by the broken line 54. One terminal 55 of the transmitter 50 is connected to 011e lead 22 of the cable or pair of leads connected to the-coil 33 of the ear-phone 56, indicated as placed within the ear 57 of the user. Preferably the location of insertion of the ear-phone 56 within the ear 57 of the user is Within the cavity of the carand the casing 42 is of such size that it is substanf 1,eao,oas

tially concealed and is retained by frictional engagement with the .inner ,walls of the ear cavity.

The other terminal 58 of the transmitter 50 is connected by the lead 59 ofthe cord 22 to one terminal 60 of the battery 61, and the other terminal 62 of the battery 61 is connected to the remaining lead of the cord 22.

In the modification shown in 7, 8 and 9, the base 2() and its casing 42 are generally of the same construction the corre-v sponding parts illustrated in F1gs.`3 and- 4, and the same reference numbers are applied to like parts. However, irrthls construction,

Athe core 24, see Figs. 8 and 9, is provided with oppositely disposedgenlarged portions 63, 64, of octagonal periphery for supporting in uniformly spaced relation the vibra? tory elements 65, corresponding generally to the vibratory elements 29. The vlbratory 4 elements 29 are respectively secured to the outer enlarged portion 63 by means of screws 30 and'lateral flanges 31, similarly'as in the structure shown in Figs. 3 to 6, 1nclusive.

In the modification shown in Figs. 10 and 11, but a single vibratory element 66 is employed, secured by the screw 72 in lateral fiange 68 to the enlarged end portion 69 of the core 70. Such core 70 may be rectangular at its enlarged end portions 69,71, similar to the aforesaid core 24, illustrated in Fig. 6. The vibratory elementv66 may be secured to the enlarged end'portion 69 by means of the screw 7 2 tapfped into a suitable opening 73 in one face o the enlarged end portion 69; the vibratory element 66 may be re-enforced in retention on the enlarged end portion 69 by means of its laterally extending flange 7.3, similar to the aforesaid fiange 31, Fig. 5.

If desired, the vibratory element 66 may be provided with the laterally enlarged free end portion 74, having a width corresponding approximately to the width of the enlarged portion 71, as will appear from Fig. 11. The vibratory element 66 may also be rovided with the additional thickness plate 5 of magnetic material secured to the free end of the vibratory element 66 and disposed between the free end of the vibratoryelement 66 and the adjacent face of the enlarged portion 71.

The coil 33 is similar -to the coil 33 of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and like parts are designated by the same reference numbers.

The modification shown in Figs. 12, 13, and 14 comprises two coils 80, 81 wound on the respective cores 82, 83, either integral with one another or unitarily connected with one another to the base portion 84. The base portion 84 is provided with threading 85 meshing with the threading 46 within the annular fiange 47 of the base 20 of the casing 42, similarl as in the modifications hereinabove set orth.V The coils 80, 81 may beil connected electrically in series with one another, or may be connected in multiple electrical relation, as will be understood. The ,70 cores, 82, 83, at their free ends are flattened as is indicated at 86, 87 serving as armatures mutually with one another; the intermediate portions 88, 89 of the cores 82, 83 are of reduced thickness to render the same resilient, whereby excitation of the coils 80, 81 and consequent magnetization, `the armatures 86, 87 are correspondingly attracted and detracted to produce vibration of the cores, coils and armatures and thereby set up vibrations corresponding to the voice currelnts passing` through the respective coils 80, 8 1

If desired, the effective faces of the armature portions 86, 87 may be provided with the auxiliary armature plates 90, 91.

The preferred use of my invention as an entirety is illustrated in Fig. 15, vshowing the employment of the transmitter hav# v .i

ing the construction set forth in the pending 90 United States application Ser. No. 240,418, entitled Audiphone, filed June 17th, 1918, a particular feature of which is that the electro-magnetic parts may be adjusted by simple turning of an exteriorly extending screw or the like for setting the sensitiveness of the transmitter: the particular construction of the transmitter is set forth in the aforesaid pending application, and affords the desired degree of sensitivencss for any desired location of the transmitter in the apparel of the user and for all positions assumed by the user, thereby enabling the user to derive full efficiency of the transmitter whether walking, standing` still, bending down or in any other usual posture. As a result, the transmitter may be located within a pocket which may be entirely concealed in the clothing of the user and in practice the transmitter is located in an inside pocket of the vest of the user.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 15, the employment ofone or more pairs of batteries as a source of energy is illustrated with provision of improved switching'means llc whereby either of said batteries may be used singularly at any time or the batteries connectedtogether as in electrical multiple or electrical series relation. The movable switch member is readily turned by passing `15N the finger into the pocket in which the casing enclosing the batteries and the switch ele# ment is enclosed, and moving the switch arm from one position to another position.

As one form of such unitary casing, for 12t the batteries I have illustrated in Figs. 16, 17 and 18, the casing 100 which is of a. width and thickness, see Figs. 16 and 17 to snugly vreceive the batteries 101, 102 and accordingly the casing 100 may be-substantially 130 rectangular' at its lower portion. Within the upper portion 103 of the -casing 100 is d1 s posed the switching device 106 whlch 1s referably circular in contour and accordingly the upper casing portion 103 may be circular at its upper end as shown. The

switching device comprises the rotary con.

tact member 105 shaped at its one end 106 to engage stops 108 of the arc shaped plate 107 corresponding to the respective positions of contact making, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

The switch member 105 further comprises the contact arm 109 and the contact arm 110, the latter terminating in the broadened contact piece 111 serving as a bridge contact member as set forth more fully hereinafter.

The base 112, see Figs. 16 and 17, of the switch casing 103 is of insulation and slotted to retain contacts whereby upon removal of either or both batteries 101, 102 the siibstituted battery or batteries is automatically connected with the conducting elements of the switching device. In theslot 113 is secured the contact tube 114 for electrical contact with the projecting terminal 115 of the battery 101 and to the contact tube 114 is connected the conductor 116 extending to the terminal 117, having the binding screw 118 for connection with the lead 119. Within the seat 120 is located the contact tube 121, at one side receiving the projecting terminal 122, of the battery 101 and at the other side connected to the switch contact 123. The contact tubo 124, similar to the contact tube 121, receives the terminal 125 of the battery 102 and the switch contact 126 is connected to the contact tube 124. The switch contact 127 is connected to the contact tube 128 slidingly receiving and electrically connecting with the projecting terminal 129 of the battery 102.

Preferably, the casing 100 also encloses the transmitter of the above referred to construction and .combined unitarily with the switching device. Y

As shown in Fig. 17 and indicated in Fig. 16, the transmitter is located on the opposite side of the switch arm 105 of the switching device, as by hollowing the base 112 with an outer and larger circular opening 140, to receive the diaphragm 141 'of the transmitter, secured therein by the pair of oppositely disposed gaskets 142, 142. The movable contact button 143 is carried by the diaphragm 141 and the carbon granules 144 are enclosed in the ring 145 of felt or the like, abutting at its one edge against the inner force of the diaphragm 141 and at its opposite edge against the other contact button 146. The contact disk 146 is adjusted by means of the setting screw 147. The general construction and the operation of the aforesaid parts of my transmitter areset forth and claimed in my aforesaid pending application Serial No. 240,418.

Y In the particular construction shown in Fig. 17 the settin screw 147 is mounted in the bushing 148 o metal or other electrically conducting material, serving also as the pivot support of the movable contact arm 105 of the switching device.

The diaphragm 141 is of conducting material and is connected at one point of its edge to the metal strip 149, electrically connected to the terminal 150, to which the lead 151 is connected by the binding screw 152.

The electrical circuit for the position of the switch arm 105 is as follows: terminal 122 of the battery 101, switch contact 123; switch arm 109; bushing 148; contact button 146; carbon granules 144; contact button 143; diaphragm 141; connection 149 with diaphragm 141; terminal 151; lead 150; coil 33 of ear-inserted member 56; lead 119; terminal 117; wire 116 and thence returning to the opposite terminal 115 of the battery 101.

When the switch arm 105 is shifted to position the contact bridge member 111 over and in contact with the switch contacts 123, 126, the batteries 101, 102 are connected in multiple through the transmitter by the joint connection of the switch contacts 123, 126 with the bridge member 111, arm 110, screw 147, thence through the transmitter and the diaphragm connection 149 and over the circuit including the leads 151, 119, as traced hereinabove, thence through the conductor 116 to the terminal 115 of the battery 101 and also in multiple through the conductor 127 to the terminal 128 of the battery 102. In such position of the switch arm 105, its stop end 106 engages the fixed stop 108 shown uppermost in Fig. 16.

Preferably, the capsule or other member which is inserted within the earof the user is provided with an extension tube 153, sce Fig. 1, of silver or of gold or other appropriate material and preferably of 'small diameter extending exteriorly of the ear opening, thence in front of and back of the upper lobe of the ear, through which tube passes or is threaded the two insulated conductors 22, 22 or the cord of such two conductors 22, 22. If desired, the inner end of the tube 153 may be provided with threading to mesh with corresponding threading within the opening 21 of the head 20 of the ear-inserted capsule or member. Such extension also facilitates inserting the capsule or ear-inserted member in position within the ear.

While I have illustrated and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, it will, of course, be understood that I do not wish to limit myself to the exact construction shown and described as various modifications and changes will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is of course, obvious that very good results may be obtained by attaching the elements.

vibratoryelements to the outer portionA of 1. In a telephone receiver for partiallyv deaf persons, a container for, insertion withinthe ear cavit and electrically operated means for vibratin said container to therel by effect audition y the user by contact of said containerwith an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means coinprising a lurality of vibrating .elements disposed within said container and electronagnetic means for vibrating said vibrating 2. In. a telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said container to thereby etlect audition by the user by contact of s aid container with an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising a lurality of vibrating elements dis posed wit in said container and electromagnetic means disposed in said container for vibrating said vibrating elements. 4

3. Ina telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated vmeans .for vibrating said container to thereby effect audition by the user by contact of said container with an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising a plurality of reeds disposed within said container` and electromagnetic` means for vibrating said reeds.

4.- In a telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said container to thereby effect audition by the user by contact of said container with" an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising a plurality of vibrating elements disposed within said container and an electromagnet permanently attached to one end of'said container.

5. In 'a .telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means foivibrating said container to therelby eiect audition by the user by contact,

of said container with an inner portion of theear of the user, said vibrating means comprisin an electromagnet, and a plurality of ree s attached to one end of said electromagnet.

deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said container to thereby effect audition'by the user by contact o said container with `an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising an electromagnet permanently attached to'one end of said container and a plurality of reeds attached to one end of said electromagnet.

' 7. In a telephone receiver for ,partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated -meansfor vibrating said container to thereby eii'ect audition by the user by contact of said container with an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising an electromagnet having a central ody portion of cylindrical form and a plurality of substantially fiat surfaces at both ends offsaid central body portion. 8. In' a telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said container to thereby 'effect audition by 'the user by contact of said container with an inner portion 'of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising an electromagnet having a central body portion of cylindrical form and a plurality of reeds respectively-secured to said substantially flat surfaces.

9; In a telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion .within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said container to there- 'by effect audition by the user by contact of said vcontainer with an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means coinlprising a plurality of reeds attuned to a predetermined-frequency within said container and electromagnetic means'for vibrating said reeds.

10. In a telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said .container to thereby effect audition by the user by contact of said container with an inner portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising a plurality of vibrating elements disposed within and mechanically connected with said container and electromagnetic means for vibrating said vibrating elements.

11. In a telephone receiver-'for partially deaf persons, a container for insert-ion within the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibrating said container to thereby effect audition by the user by contact of said lcontainer with an innerl portion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprising an electromagnet having a central body portion of cylindrical form, a coil wound about said central body portion and 6. In. a telephone receiver for partially i a plurality of reeds respectively secured to said substantially flat surfaces.

12. In a telephone receiver for partially deaf persons, a container for insertion with- 5 in the ear cavity and electrically operated means for vibratingr said container to thereby eect audition by the user by contact' of said container with an innerportion of the ear of the user, said vibrating means comprisin a vibratable member disposed 10 within an mechanically connected with said container and electromagnetic means for vibrating said vibratable member.

n testimon whereof I have signed this specification t is 7th day of January, 1925.

'DE ELBERT A. REYNOLDS. 

